Florida consumer sentiment continues downward slide in October

Consumer sentiment among Floridians fell 1.5 points in October to 94.3 from a revised September reading of 95.8, according to the latest University of Florida consumer survey. October is the third consecutive month with a decline in consumer sentiment.

Among the five components that make up the index, one increased and four decreased.

The two components reflecting Floridians’ views about current economic conditions weakened in October. Perceptions of one’s personal financial situation now compared with a year ago dropped 1.4 points from 87.1 to 85.7. Opinions as to whether now is a good time to buy a major household item declined 1.2 points, from 103.7 to 102.5.

Expectations of personal finances a year from now increased 2.5 points from 100.8 to 103.3, the only uptick in this month’s report. Anticipated U.S. economic conditions over the next year fell 3.2 points, from 94 to 90.8. Expectations of U.S. economic conditions over the next five years dropped 4.2 points, the greatest decline of any reading this month, from 93.2 to 89.

These three components represent the expectations about future economic conditions.

“Most of the pessimism in October comes from unfavorable expectations regarding U.S. economic conditions in the short and long run, especially from people with incomes greater than $50,000 and those 60 and older,” said Hector H. Sandoval, director of the Economic Analysis Program at UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research.

He added, “Expectations about future economic conditions have shown important signs of deterioration for the past three consecutive months. Additionally, this month’s decline is accompanied by a downturn in the perceptions of present economic conditions.”

Florida’s economy keeps growing and approaching full employment, with a labor market that is expected to tighten even more and more jobs than workers to fill them. Despite the business closures and job losses triggered by Hurricane Irma in September, the Florida unemployment rate fell two-tenths of a percentage point from 4 to 3.8 percent in September. In fact, the Florida unemployment rate in September was the lowest reported since April 2007.

The industries gaining the most jobs over the year were education and health services, then trade, transportation and utilities, followed by the construction industry. The only industry losing jobs over the year was leisure and hospitality.

“The strengthening of the labor market will result in higher wages, which will become the main driver behind income growth for Floridians,” Sandoval said. “Despite declines in past months, consumer sentiment in Florida is higher compared to the same month last year. In particular, there is an important increase in consumers’ perception as to whether it is a good time to buy a major household item, from 90.3 to 102.5. This is a positive sign for retailers who can expect more spending during the holiday shopping season.”

Indeed, as the end-of-year shopping season begins, the National Retail Federation has forecast that holiday retail sales in November and December will increase between 3.6 and 4 percent from last year.

Conducted Oct. 1-26, the UF study reflects the responses of 532 individuals who were reached on cellphones, representing a demographic cross section of Florida.

The index used by UF researchers is benchmarked to 1966, which means a value of 100 represents the same level of confidence for that year. The lowest index possible is a 2, the highest is 150.